The Golden State Valkyries head to PHX Arena on Friday night to face the Phoenix Mercury in a 10:00 PM EDT Western Conference clash, airing on NBCS-BA and AZFamily. Tickets start as low as $15, offering fans a chance to catch this rematch in Phoenix. The Mercury, with a 21-13 record, are 4.5-point home favorites with an over/under of 168.5 points, coming off a 98-91 victory over the Valkyries on August 19 at Chase Center. Golden State, sitting at 18-17, is fighting to stay in the playoff race and looking to snap a two-game home losing streak. With a sold-out crowd expected, this one’s set to be a barnburner.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Point Guard – Veronica Burton runs the show for Golden State, averaging 5.2 assists and bringing defensive intensity, though she’s questionable with a concussion. Natasha Cloud leads Phoenix with 6.2 assists and 11.2 points, using her veteran savvy to keep the offense clicking.
Shooting Guard – Kiana Williams provides Golden State with perimeter shooting, stepping up with 12.1 points per game. Kahleah Copper is Phoenix’s top gun, averaging 21.1 points and fresh off a 25-point, five-three-pointer performance against the Valkyries.
Small Forward – Kate Martin gives the Valkyries hustle and spacing, averaging 8.4 points, but she’ll need to contain Phoenix’s wings. Satou Sabally anchors the Mercury with 17.1 points and 6.6 rebounds, a versatile threat who dropped 17 points in their last meeting.
Power Forward – Iliana Rupert, also questionable with a concussion, is Golden State’s interior presence, averaging 9.3 points and 6.1 rebounds. Alyssa Thomas powers Phoenix with 13.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, a triple-double machine who had 13 points and nine rebounds on Tuesday.
Center – Temi Fagbenle anchors the Valkyries’ paint with 7.8 points and 5.4 rebounds, stepping up in Rupert’s absence. Brittney Griner dominates for Phoenix, averaging 17.8 points and 6.8 rebounds, ready to control the paint after a quiet 10-point game in the last matchup.
Game Outlook
Phoenix is riding high after their 98-91 win over Golden State on August 19, where Copper and Thomas led a balanced attack, and they’ve won five of their last seven games. The Valkyries, despite their 18-17 record, have struggled lately, dropping back-to-back home games for the first time at Chase Center, where they drew 18,064 fans. Golden State ranks 10th in offense (78.4 PPG) but fourth in defense (76.8 PPG allowed), while Phoenix sits sixth in scoring (83.1 PPG) and fourth in defense (79.5 PPG allowed). Both teams play at a top-six pace, promising a fast-paced game, but the Mercury’s home edge (12-5 at PHX Arena) and depth could overwhelm a shorthanded Valkyries squad, especially if Burton and Rupert are limited or out.
Best Bets
- Phoenix Mercury -4.5 – Phoenix’s momentum and home-court dominance make them a strong pick to cover, especially against a potentially depleted Valkyries roster.
- Over 168.5 Total Points – Both teams’ fast pace and top-six offenses suggest this game could push past the total, as seen in their 189-point meeting on Tuesday.
- Kahleah Copper Over 20.5 Points – Copper’s been a scoring machine, clearing this mark in 15 of her last 20 games, including 25 points against Golden State earlier this week.
Final Score Prediction
Phoenix Mercury 89 – Golden State Valkyries 82
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